RAVISHED BY A HIGHLANDER

Author: Paula Quinn ISBN: 9780446552387 5/2010 HISTORICAL Publisher: GRAND CENTRAL
Time Period: 1685

FORBIDDEN LOVE Davina Montgomery is no ordinary English lady. For her own protection, she's been locked away from society, her true identity the Crown's most closely guarded secret. Until a shocking betrayal--and a bold rescue--land her in the arms of a fierce Highlander, a powerful warrior whose searing gaze and tantalizing touch awaken her body and soul. UNDENIABLE DESIRE As the firstborn son of a powerful Scottish laird, Robert MacGregor has no loyalty to the English throne, but he's not the kind of man to leave a woman in distress, even if she is English. He vows to deliver Davina to safety, unharmed and untouched. Yet one stolen kiss leaves them both smoldering with desire...and desperate for more. With Davina's secret threatening to destroy his clan, Rob must choose between everything he holds dear and the one woman he can't live without. RAVISHED BY A HIGHLANDER

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Paula Quinn sets her historical romance RAVISHED BY A HIGHLANDER in Scotland during the reign of James VI of England, whose crown was troubled because of his Catholic roots which he refused to give up. This is a story of his secret firstborn daughter Davina, raised in a hidden Scottish convent, so that a Catholic could ascend the throne in case he should die (though he was only in line for the throne at the time). Davina feels like an abandoned caged bird and wishes to fly free. Her father’s enemies would rather spit roast her, which they try until she is rescued from the flames of the burning convent by her very own Highlander. But who could have leaked the fact that she existed and where? She refuses to tell Rob MacGregor who she really is because she fears for his life and the lives of his clan. Although she’s been guarded by a hundred of the king’s guards for years, she’s never met a man as fierce and beautiful as Rob, and in all the years of his training to be the next tribal chief, there’s never been a lass who tempted him like Davina. And even though he and his men deduce her relationship to the king, he’d rather die a thousand deaths than give her up to anybody, including his new king.

Quinn is not only a master storyteller, but also a painter of scenery. Her depictions of the lochs and mountains are breathtaking. I could feel the cold water splashing as Davina played with the MacGregor children and smell the heather that Rob used to fill his room. As Davina’s senses take in everything for the first time after being locked in a cloister her whole life, the readers also get those glimpses of awe and wonder. She is also open to a panoply of emotions as she learns to trust Rob, is betrayed by Edward and finally adored by her father. Her sense of responsibility is deepened at the loss of all those she counted as family, and her joy is renewed by her new clan. Davina is smart, cautious, curious, and able to think on her feet. I love how Robert is strong and loyal without having to be always angry at the world or even Davina.

RAVISHED BY A HIGHLANDER held me in its grip from the first word, and I read without stopping. Although it gives another glimpse into this time in history, the love story transcends the bitter politics. Readers who enjoy their romance wrapped up in a plaid and bound by strong, sinewy arms, will definitely appreciate Quinn’s talent and look forward to more.

Susan Barton